Harradine leads the way in the Emirates Amateur Open

Michael Harradine followed his fine performance in the Club Championship over the Faldo course to card a 71 and take an early two-shot lead after round one of the Emirates Amateur Open sponsored by Omega.

To say Harradine got off to a quick start would be an understatement as the Emirates member holed his approach shot to the 411-yard par 4 first for an eagle two. Further birdies followed on the 4th, and 9th but he did give one back to the course on the 2nd seeing him out in 33 strokes, 3-under par. Consecutive dropped shots from the 10th slowed his momentum but a birdie on the 367-yard 14th saw him return to the clubhouse in 38 shots resulting in his opening 71.

Jack Colgate, Michael Saunders and Vikram Judge are his closest contenders after they opened up with level par rounds of 73. A shot further back are Miguel Moitas, Peter Stojanovski and 2007 Champion Scott Nightingale, all set to make a charge over the weekend.

The 23rd edition of the Championship saw 137 players tee up and Emirates Golf Club welcomed Omega on board as title sponsor. It is fitting that Omega now sponsor the Dubai Ladies Masters, Dubai Desert Classic and the largest amateur open in the region. In total 56 golf clubs are represented including Calcutta Golf Club (India), Shadow Hawk Golf Club (USA) and the home of golf itself, St Andrews (UK).

All competitors will play their second round on the Majlis course, home to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. The top 65 and ties will play their final round on the Majlis for the Championship title. Those not making the cut will play a separate 18 hole event on the Faldo course.